5 last-minute ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Prague

Still undecided what to do on New Year’s Eve? There are a few options still available in Prague. Pandemic restrictions have put a limit on large gatherings, and the city has banned fireworks in the historical center, but there are still ways to ring in the new year.

You can have some sparkling wine and a view over the city at night from the rooftop of Lucerna, which opens at 10 pm, and the party will last until 1:30 am. This is apparently the first time in Lucerna’s 100 year history that the rooftop has been open for New Year’s Eve. While there shouldn’t be much fireworks from Wenceslas Square due to the ban (and possibly a hefty fine), visitors to the rooftop should be able to see some sparkles in the air from places on the horizon where the ban is not in effect. Read more here.

Kino Aero in Žižkov has a lineup of three films, starting with “The Big Lebowski” at 4 pm and a preview of the new culinary-themed film “Boiling Point” at 6:30 pm. The film is made in one continuous shot to show the stress in the back of the restaurant. The third film, “The Worst Person in the World,” starts at 8:30 pm but is in Norwegian with Czech subtitles. Kino Světozor has “Boiling Point” as well in its large hall at 6:30 pm. For people seeking some action at the drive-in, Autokino Strahov has “The Matrix Resurrections” at 7 pm. That film is also at Kino Pilotů at 7:30 pm.

Many people drink a toast a the stroke of midnight. Others look for a healthier way to welcome n the new year. A five-kilometer run starts next to Galerie Butovice in Prague 13 at 11:45 pm, and people should still be running at the stroke of midnight. Registration is still available on the spot. Winners in several categories will get medals, and the first 50 to finish will get certificates. Read more here.

Dec. 31 is the last day for the Florenc location of Manifesto. As had always been planned, the space was temporary until the development of a new neighborhood got underway, and that time has come. The venue is only open to 10 pm but will have live music and a DJ, a special cocktail, a 2+1 deal on prosecco, and fortune telling. The closing only affects the Florence location. The new Anděl venue, which also has a party, will continue to operate. Read more here.

Jazz fans can hear New Year’s Eve grooves at Jazz Dock, with has a concert headlined by Justin Lavash and featuring the Jazz Dock House Band starting at 8 pm. Admission includes a welcome drink, and for seated people also tapas plate. If classical music is more your vibe, the Czech Chamber Music Association has a concert at the Rudolfinum starting at 8 pm. The program includes music by Gershwin plus Latin American dance music.